Surfers of all ages, shapes and sizes gathered for the ninth annual World Belly Boarding Championships in Chapel Porth Beach in Cornwall yesterday. Nearly 400 entrants both senior and sprightly from as far away as Australia, California and the Virgin Islands joined locals in surfing the waves on traditional plywood boards. Competitors braved the Cornish winds and chilly seas in swimwear only, as wetsuits were banned.

For those missing out on the World Champion title, there was a chance to take the categories of best swim cap, men’s swimwear or Spirit of Belly Boarding. There was also bound to be